‘Don’t even care how boring it was!’ Burnley Fans React To Win Over Crystal Palace + Player Ratings

Burnley earned a hard fought 1-0 win over Frank de Boer’s Crystal Palace, to register their first home win of the season, in the Premier League, on Sunday. 

The Clarets were off to a flier as record signing Chris Wood capitalized on a blatant error by Palace, to put his team ahead with a sumptuous finish three minutes into the game. It was all Crystal Palace from then on, dominating possession, looking threatening, but Burnley continued to hold on to their slender lead. Sean Dyche’s men survived some late scares, to come out with three points from the game.  

And here’s how the Burnley players fared on the day; 

Burnley Player Ratings

Tom Heaton – NA

Subbed off half an hour into the game, after he injured his shoulder due to poor landing. 

Matthew Lowton – 7.5/10

Made an important goal-line clearance from Scott Dann early in the game. Available to run down the flank and solid at the back. 

James Tarkowski – 8.5/10

Apart from a single error in the first half, Tarkowski was majestic throughout the game. Held his own against the big Christian Benteke. Made a heroic block in the 84th minute from Dann’s shot. Made the most clearances in the game (18). 

Ben Mee – 7/10

Withstood great amounts of pressure from the Eagles in the second period. Extremely strong in the air and very disciplined performance. 

Stephen Ward – 7/10

Always available on the overlap, sending in teasing crosses in the first half. Forced to sit deep after the break. Did allow Townsend space to exploit on the flank, but maintained discipline under pressure post the break. Attempted and completed most tackles in the game. 

Johann Berg-Gudmundsson – 7/10

Made a couple of darting runs and crosses in the first-half. Showed good pace and was always available to help his teammates at the back.  

Jack Cork – 7/10

Protected the ball well. Had to drop deep in the second period and did well to keep things under check in the second period. 

Steven Defour – 6/10

Did the dirty work well in the midfield, chasing after Palace players, winning back possession, blocking passes.  

Robbie Brady – 6.5/10

Linked up well with the overlapping Ward in the first period. Booked for hacking down Townsend before the break. Pegged back in his own half for the second period. 

Sam Vokes – 6.5/10

Had a couple of difficult early chances, but apart from that not a lot for him to do at the top, given his team were chasing the ball more often than not.  

Chris Wood – 7/10

Clinical. Great awareness and a brilliant finish to hand his team the lead. Worked hard off the ball.  

Substitutes

Nick Pope – 7.5/10

Replaced the captain, in the 36th minute, to make his Premier League debut. Made a decent stop from Townsend. Made a brilliant save to deny Benteke from close range in the second half then denied Yohan Cabaye. 

Ashley Barnes – 6/10

Came on for Vokes in the second half. Helped Burnley to hold up the ball at the other end late in the game. 

Ashley Westwood – NA

On for Defour for the final ten minutes.  

Here’s how the Burnley fans reacted to the win on social media: